Lesson Page

Patterns + Functions






In a multiplication sentence, the numbers being multiplied
are the factors; the answer is the product.
2 x 5 = 10
factors (2, 5)

product (10)

When groups are not equal, you add to find
how many.

2 + 1 = 3
multiply: cannot
When groups are equal, you
can add or multiply.


2 + 2 = 4 or
2 x 2 = 4

Example: Not Equal Groups
Serena bought 3 packages of batteries. Two packages had 2
batteries each. The third package had 3 batteries. How many
batteries did Serena buy?


Equal groups? no


Add: 2 + 2 + 3 = 7
Multiply: cannot

Example: Equal Groups
Kevin bought 3 packages of batteries. There were 2 batteries in
each package. How many batteries did he buy?




Equal groups? yes
Add: 2 + 2 + 2 = 6
Multiply: 3 x 2 = 6


When you put together equal groups, you an use repeated addition.

4 + 4 = 8
2 rows of 4 equals 8
2 x 4 = 8 multiplication sentence


Using counters with unequal groups.

Equal groups? no
Add: 1 + 2 + 3 = 6
Multiply: cannot



Remember: When you are putting
together equal groups, you
can add ormultiply.
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